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Planning Applications and Permit Types
All Planning Applications, Permits, Short Term Rental Licenses, and Complaints are processed through Sages, our online permit & application tracking system (PATS). Please click on the sections below to expand the menu for more information on each application and permit type available. You must create an account in Sages before submitting an application. You can access SagesGov Here. Once you've created an account, and selected what type of application or permit you wish to submit, Sages will prompt you to add contact and location information, scope of work, upload supporting documents, etc. The information you enter is saved each time you click "save and continue" at the bottom of the page. If you are not ready to submit you can leave the application and when you log back into your account the unsubmitted application will be on your dashboard. Once the application is submitted it is reviewed for completeness and when ready routed to the appropriate staff and referral agencies for review. Planning Applications and Building Permits require certain fees to be paid at intake and you will receive a notification if applicable. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your submission please let us know at PATS-Support@pitkincounty.com.
- Please see the Pitkin County File and Naming Standards for more information on upload.
Request a Planning Pre-Application Conference Request to discuss your development project with a planner. A planner will provide a Pre-application Conference Summary that details land use application requirements. Alternatively, if your development is determined to be exempt, then an Exemption Letter will be provided.
Submit a land use application after receiving a Planning Pre-Application Conference Summary. The Planning Pre-Application Conference Summary Document will provide guidance for application requirements.
Land Use Application Manual
Request a variance for structure height or setbacks.
Submit a land use application for development projects in the Redstone Historic District.
Submit a special event permit application for a public event or temporary use. A tent permit (found under "Building") is required for event tents.
Special Event Guide (PDF)
A pre-submittal meeting is required for most building permits. If you are not sure whether or not you need one please reach out to the builderoftheday@pitkincounty.com. This meeting is an opportunity to go through your project with one of our permit coordinators to make sure you have all the required documents for your permit to be accepted through the intake process. It's also an opportunity to learn more about the building permit process and what to expect as your project progresses.
For all Residential & Commercial Building Permits. Building Permits are required for all structures regardless of the size or use.
- Contractors must obtain a Contractor's license through the City of Aspen Contractor Licensing Program
- Create an account in SagesGov before submitting an application.
- Review Building Pre-Submittal Checklist and gather supporting construction documentation
- Ensure files meet Pitkin County Standards for Electronic Submission
- Apply for a building Pre-Submittal Meeting in SagesGOV
- A Permit Coordinator will reach out to schedule a Pre-Submittal meeting
Permits for installation of manufactured and factory built HUD and IRC homes.
Please use the resubmittal option to respond to staff deficiency letters during the review process.
Change Orders should be utilized to make changes to issued building permits.
Change Order Fees: (Whichever is greater)
- Plan check hourly $150.00/hour (1 hour minimum)
- 2.7% of valuation = Permit fee
- Contractors must obtain a Contractor's license through the City of Aspen Contractor Licensing Program
- Create an account in SagesGov before submitting an application.
- Submit application in SagesGOV and upload supporting construction documentation
- Click here for a comprehensive list of required construction documents
- State Certified Electrical Contractors must obtain a Contractor's license through the City of Aspen Contractor Licensing Program
- Create an account in SagesGov before submitting an application.
- Submit application in SagesGOV and upload supporting construction documentation
- Click here for a comprehensive list of required construction documents
- Application will be routed to applicable referral agencies for approval prior to electrical review (Fire and Zoning)
- Mechanical Contractors must obtain a Contractor's license through the City of Aspen Contractor Licensing Program
- Create an account in SagesGov before submitting an application.
- Submit application in SagesGOV and upload supporting construction documentation
- Click here for a comprehensive list of required construction documents
- State of Colorado Licensed Plumbing Contractors must obtain a Contractor's license through the City of Aspen Contractor Licensing Program
- Create an account in SagesGov before submitting an application.
- Submit application in SagesGOV and upload supporting construction documentation
- Contractors must obtain a Contractor's license through the City of Aspen Contractor Licensing Program
- Create an account in SagesGov before submitting an application.
- Submit application in SagesGOV and upload supporting construction documentation
- Click here for a comprehensive list of required documents
- Tent permits are required for temporary tents and membrane structures having an area in excess of 400 SF and used for 180 days or less.
- Tents must comply with Chapter 31 of the currently adopted International Fire Code. Tents may be exempt from permitting if the exemptions in section 3103.2 are met.
- Tents shall not be located within 20' of a property line, building, other tent, parked vehicles or internal combustion engine unless the exemptions in section 303.8.2 are met.
- If the tent is for a special event a Special Event permit may also be required. See Pitkin County Special Events for additional information.
- With the permit application a detailed site and floor plan must be providing showing:
- occupant load
- circulation including ingress and egress
- seating capacity and arrangement of seating
- type of heating and electrical equipment
- location of fire sprinklers and carbon monoxide detectors
- an analysis of structural stability and compliance with chapter 31 of the IFC
An access permit is required for construction of a new access or changes to an existing access. Where an access does not exist, an access permit is required prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Access Permit Fee:
- $674 flat fee
An earthmoving permit is required for any work that involves the disturbance of more than 50 cubic yards of soil or more than 200 square feet of vegetation. Earthmoving permits are typically necessary for trenching, trails, utility grading, berms, ties, ponds, etc.
Earthmoving Permit Fee:
- Minor: $415 (less than 100 cubic yards of disturbance)
- Major: $643 (additional referral fees may be required)
A floodplain permit is required for any work within the designated 100-year floodplain, including bank stabilization, bridges, dredging, installation of irrigation equipment and revegetation.
Floodplain Permit Fee:
- $624 flat fee
A tree removal permit is required for removing, or altering the natural character of (1) a single tree with a caliper of 12-inches or greater, or (2) multiple trees 6-inches in caliper or greater where the total caliper of trees removed is 24-inches in caliper.
Signs requiring a permit are outlined in LUC Section 7-60-30.
Signs that do not require a sign permit are outlined in LUC Section 7-60-40.
All signage must comply with the design standards in LUC Section 7-60-50.
For sign measurement methodology, refer to LUC Section 7-60-60.
Sign Permit Guide Coming Soon!
Sign Permit Fee:
- $140 flat fee + Use Tax
A fence permit is required for any fence that does not meet the wildlife-friendly criteria in the Land Use Code.
Please refer to our Fence Permit Guide (PDF).
For additional information on wildlife-friendly fencing, refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fencing with Wildlife in Mind (PDF)
Fence Permit Fee:
- $140 flat fee + Use Tax
Please use the resubmittal option to respond to staff deficiency letters during the review process.
For any complaints from the public about and Land Use Code or Home Rule Charter Code violations
To apply for a short-term rental license application.
Permit to build a new OWTS (septic) system.
Permit to make changes to an already issued OWTS New Construction or Repair Permit.
Permit to repair or replace an existing OWTS (Septic) system.
After a passing Use Permit Inspection, this permit shows that a system is functioning as designed and is required prior to sales or large-scale remodels.
A licensed OWTS inspector may fill out these forms; passing inspections may be used to apply for OWTS Use Permits
This is an acknowledgment that the system on the property is in a state of failure prior to the sale and a permit must be applied for in order to correct the pre-existing issues prior to occupancy.
Operating Permits are required for systems with advanced treatment and commercial systems; this permit is to show proof of a required maintenance contract
Application to apply for an OWTS license with Pitkin County as a Cleaner, Contractor, or Inspector.